Hummingbirds are small, beautiful birds that are a joy to watch. Many people like to attract hummingbirds to their yards by putting up hummingbird feeders and planting flowers that hummingbirds like. Another way to bring hummingbirds close is to install hummingbird houses. Hummingbird houses provide the tiny birds with a place to rest, shelter from bad weather, and a spot to build a nest and raise baby birds. But what is the best material to use to build a hummingbird house?
Key Factors for Hummingbird House Materials
There are several key factors to consider when choosing materials for a hummingbird house:
- Weather resistance – The house needs to stand up to all types of weather such as rain, sun, wind, and extreme heat and cold.
- Good insulation – Insulation will help keep the interior temperature stable.
- Durability – Select very durable materials that will not degrade or decompose over time.
- Appearance – Pick materials that allow you to create an attractive, natural looking house.
- Non-toxic – Use non-toxic materials that will not potentially harm the hummingbirds.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you select the ideal materials for your hummingbird sanctuary.
Best Materials for Hummingbird Houses
Here are the top materials to use when building a hummingbird house:
Cedar Wood
Cedar is one of the very best woods for constructing a hummingbird home. Here are the advantages of using cedar:
- Weather resistance – The natural oils in cedar wood make it resistant to rot, mold, mildew and insects.
- Insulation – Cedar has good insulating properties to help maintain even temperatures.
- Durability – Cedar is a long-lasting wood that can stand up to years of exposure.
- Appearance – Cedar has a beautiful reddish hue and straight wood grain.
- Non-toxic – Untreated cedar is safe for hummingbirds.
Cedar’s natural resistance to moisture and insects means a cedar wood hummingbird house should last for many years with proper care and maintenance. Its attractive appearance allows the house to blend in well in any backyard.
Redwood
Like cedar, redwood also has many attributes that make it a first-rate material for hummingbird shelter construction. Benefits of using redwood include:
- Weather resistance – Redwood contains tannins that make it resistant to moisture, rot, and insects.
- Insulation – Redwood has decent insulating properties.
- Durability – Redwood is a strong, long-lasting wood.
- Appearance – Redwood has a rich reddish color.
- Non-toxic – Untreated redwood is not toxic.
Redwood is naturally resistant to decay and insect damage. Redwood houses will stand up well over time with proper maintenance. The rich color of redwood allows it to blend in with natural surroundings.
Pine
Pine is another wood worth considering for a hummingbird shelter. Here are some of pine’s favorable traits:
- Insulation – Pine provides good insulation against heat and cold.
- Durability – Pine is fairly strong and sturdy.
- Appearance – Pine has an attractive, familiar look.
- Availability – Pine is one of the most common and accessible woods.
One downside to pine is that it lacks natural weather resistance, so it will need to be treated and properly sealed to prevent rot and insect infestation when used outdoors. As long as it is properly finished and maintained, pine can be a good choice for hummingbird houses.
PVC
PVC is a popular plastic used in products like pipes and trim boards. It can also be used to construct hummingbird shelters. Here are some of PVC’s attributes when used for a hummingbird house project:
- Weather resistance – PVC holds up very well to moisture, sun, wind, and temperature extremes.
- Durability – PVC is a very durable material that resists cracks and dents.
- Appearance – PVC comes in multiple colors, allowing for an attractive finished look.
- Non-toxic – Unadulterated white PVC is non-toxic.
With UV inhibitors, PVC houses will not degrade from sun exposure. PVC’s durability and weather resistance means a house made from this material needs very little maintenance. It can be painted to give it a natural wood look.
Poly Lumber
Poly lumber is a wood substitute made from recycled plastic. Here are some of its assets:
- Weather resistance – Poly lumber won’t rot, crack or splinter when exposed to the elements.
- Durability – Poly lumber is highly impact resistant.
- Appearance – Can be made to mimic the look of natural wood.
- Non-toxic – Poly lumber is non-toxic for animals.
A major advantage of poly lumber is that it requires very little maintenance compared to real wood. It won’t deteriorate or need repainting when used outdoors. Poly lumber is a good choice if you want the look of wood without the maintenance.
Aluminum
Here are some benefits of using aluminum for a hummingbird house:
- Weather resistance – Aluminum won’t rust or rot when exposed to the elements.
- Durability – Aluminum is extremely strong and resistant to dents.
- Appearance – Aluminum has a clean, modern look.
- Non-toxic – Aluminum is non-toxic to birds.
Aluminum can withstand all kinds of weather without degradation. It is also extremely strong and resistant to damage from impacts. Unpainted aluminum has a shiny, contemporary appearance. Aluminum requires very little maintenance besides occasional cleaning.
Other Suitable Materials
In addition to the materials above, some other options can also work well for hummingbird houses. These include:
- Teak wood – Extremely weather resistant and durable.
- Cypress wood – Natural insect and rot resistance.
- Brick/stone – Very durable with good insulating capacity.
- Concrete – Can be shaped into attractive houses.
- Stainless steel – Highly resistant to weather and corrosion.
- Composite decking – Made from recycled wood and plastic.
Any of these materials can potentially be good choices for a hummingbird home as long as proper construction and maintenance practices are followed.
Construction Recommendations
Here are some best practices to follow when constructing a hummingbird house, regardless of materials used:
- Precisely follow a proven hummingbird house building plan for dimensions and features.
- Make sure openings and feeding ports are the proper size.
- Include perches next to feeding ports.
- Construct a detachable roof for easy maintenance and cleaning.
- Use non-toxic paints/finishes if needed.
- Ensure all edges and openings are smooth and free of splinters.
- Seal outdoor wood structures to protect from moisture.
- Employ water diversion and drainage techniques like overhangs and sloped roofs.
Properly constructing a hummingbird home using good building practices will help ensure your new backyard residents will have a healthy, safe place to live.
Placement and Maintenance Recommendations
Proper placement and regular maintenance are also very important for your hummingbird house. Here are some tips:
- Place in a somewhat shady/sheltered spot away from strong winds and rain.
- Install 5-10 feet off the ground on a secure pole or tree limb.
- Situate well away from feeders to minimize competition.
- Clean inside the house thoroughly each year after nesting season.
- Make any minor repairs needed like loose screws, cracks, etc.
- Refresh protective finishes if needed every 2-3 years.
- Clean around entrances and perches periodically to remove bird droppings.
Proper placement in a sheltered spot will help the house maintain a comfortable interior temperature. Yearly cleanings and minor repairs will keep the house safe and sanitary. Maintaining exterior finishes will extend the lifespan of any wooden structures.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing materials for a hummingbird house, cedar and redwood are two of the best options due to their natural weather resistance, durability, insulation properties and attractive appearance. Pine can also be a good choice when properly treated and maintained. PVC, poly lumber, and aluminum make quality low maintenance options. Following sound construction, placement and maintenance practices are also key factors for success regardless of materials used. With a well-built and properly sited hummingbird house made from the right materials, you can provide critical shelter for these special small visitors and enjoy their beauty up close as they raise their tiny families.
